Darts: Countdown begins to new Premier League season

TICKETS for the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts are now on sale – with promoters expecting a rush as fans look to secure their seat at one of the 15 nights of action across the country.

The Whyte & Mackay Premier League was introduced in 2005 – and has been dominated by Bradwell star Phil 'The Power' Taylor, who has picked up the title every year.

His latest triumph came at the Cardiff International Arena, when he defeated James Wade.

The 2009 competition gets under way on Thursday, February 5 at the Liverpool Echo Arena, before the eight-strong field make weekly visits to Edinburgh, Coventry, Belfast, Newcastle, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, Glasgow, Exeter, Nottingham, Sheffield and Cardiff.

The top four players, following the 14-week league phase, will then compete in the play-offs on Monday, May 25 at the Wembley Arena for the £125,000 title.

Tickets for all venues are priced between £20 and £30.

"More fans than ever before watched the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts in 2008 and there has been unprecedented interest already for next year's event," said PDC chairman Barry Hearn.

"This tournament has captured the imagination of the British sporting public, and you only have to look at the record-breaking averages hit by Phil Taylor earlier this year to see why.

"The standard of darts is higher than ever now and the top players, like Taylor, James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld, are rising to the challenge of playing in front of such huge crowds.

"The 2009 Premier League promises to be the most spectacular darts event ever seen – Raymond van Barneveld hit a nine-darter two years ago, but I think we could see two during next year's event.

"The Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts has become a memorable night out for sports fans across the UK and next year's tournament will give more spectators than ever the chance to see top-quality darts in the flesh."

Tickets are on sale from venues around the UK as well as via the PDC Ticket Line on 0871 231 0831.

2009 SCHEDULE

February 5: Liverpool Echo Arena (0844 8000 400).

February 12: Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh (0870 231 0831).

February 19: Ricoh Arena, Coventry (08444 121 747).

February 26: Odyssey Arena, Belfast (02890 739 074).

March 5: Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle (0844 493 6666).

March 12: MEN Arena, Manchester (0844 847 8000).

March 19: Brighton Centre (0844 847 1515).

March 26: NIA Birmingham (0871 945 6000).

April 2: SECC Glasgow (0870 040 4000).

April 9: Westpoint Arena, Exeter (08705 321 321).

April 16: Trent FM Arena, Nottingham (08444 124 624).

April 23: AECC Aberdeen (08444 779 000).

April 30: Sheffield Arena (0114 256 56 56).

May 7: CIA Cardiff (02920 22 44 88).

Play-Offs, May 25: Wembley Arena (0870 060 0870).